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RFP-response.doc

2.
Focus on Server Based
Computing Solutions
Thin Client Computing provides the highest degree of knowledge
and experience in the design and deployment of thin client
solutions. Thin Client Computing is a Select Level NCD reseller
and a Citrix Gold Reseller with additional authorizations in
Education and UNIX based Citrix products.
F ounded in 1997, Thin Client Computing (TCC) has an impressive track record
in successful system design and deployment. Critical 24x7 systems, designed
by TCC and utilizing Windows Based Terminals, are in use at Motorola SPS
factories worldwide. Texas Instruments in Tucson, Arizona runs their factory
production system using an X-Terminal system designed by TCC. Chase Manhattan
runs the Tempe, AZ based Securities Call Center on our thin client system design as
do engineering departments at Honeywell, Phillips Semiconductor, and, TDK
Semiconductor. Navy ships worldwide operate their Raytheon Phalanx Close-In
Weapon System (CIWS) using terminals tested and configured by TCC.
Thin Client Computing has been successful by applying these main objectives:
To make the needs of the customer and their Information Technology
requirements the driving force behind all of our design efforts
To provide innovate and expert design assistance which leads to more efficient
systems and overall lower cost
To provide solutions assistance that allows the customer to fully understand
the technology they own and successfully manage it using internal manpower and
resources
2

3.
How this applies to Snowflake RFP No. 01-917
While most of our client requests involve early stage systems design and product
research, the Snowflake RFP is focused on acquiring the best thin client hardware and
management software to support and enhance an existing Server Based Computing
solution design. As a result, we took a long look at what products to recommend that
would reflect and incorporate the results of our field experience to Snowflake’s greatest
advantage. The areas that we analyzed and prioritized the most were:
Ease of Use Manageability Reliability Pricing
Compatibility Security Low Maintenance
As a result we believe strongly that Network Computing Devices (NCD) offers the
best total solution. While the hardware offered by various vendors is quite similar, the
strengths of NCD remote management tools are unparallel in the marketplace. Other
manufacturer’s products offer similar software features, however, they simple do not
match the breadth of features offered by NCD. In particular, NCD ThinPATH Plus
offers local port support that surpasses all other manufacturer’s offerings, including the
features available within the Citrix ICA client software itself. NCD ThinPATH
Manager is a comprehensive terminal management tool that truly accomplishes
“hands-off” maintenance by making all possible settings of the terminal configurable
from a central tool while also adding terminal grouping, naming , remote restart and
many other features which allow a small IT staff to maintain a large scale system. In
addition to working from a central console, these settings can also be maintained using
a standard Web browse from any location. NCD Desktop Mirror accomplishes what
no other vendor, including Citrix on the server on the side, has been able to do. In
short, Desktop Mirror allows remote viewing and control of not only the thin client
server session, but the actual device that the end user is working from. This
functionality, only available from NCD, truly fulfills the promise of Thin
Client/Server Based Computing- significantly reduced maintenance without the need
to touch and visit the end user device, ever.
3

4.
Additional Points of benefit to Snowflake
Unfortunately, in today’s funding climate, public educational institutions do not have budgets comparable to
commercial enterprises. While it is clear that NCD offers the right product for Snowflake’s requirement, it is not
the least expensive option in the marketplace. To address this issue, Thin Client Computing has worked closely
with NCD to develop special pricing that is only available for this project. In addition, we have chosen to
respond to both Thin Client Device Specifications #1 and #2 with the same option- the new NCD ThinSTAR
500 Windows Based Terminal. This terminal is the new flagship of the NCD product line. While it is possible to
meet the lower requirements with a lesser model, our commitment is to providing the absolute best solution for
Snowflake. This includes providing the best available device, at the price of a lesser device, to allow you to use
one single model in all cases and provide the highest performance level to the end user. In addition, the faster
processor performance of the ThinSTAR 500 over other models will yield a significantly longer field service life.
Purchase of Computer Monitors
While we believe it is in the best interest of Snowflake to purchase thin client hardware and management
software from a specialized vendor such as Thin Client Computing, we strongly recommend that Snowflake
purchase the monitors from a large scale computer supplier. Thin clients are specialized devices requiring
expertise to choose and configure properly, computer monitors are commodity items and widely available. As a
result, we have chosen not include a bid for monitors.
4

5.
ntact information for Thin Client Computing:
hen Greenberg
dent, Senior Technical Consultant
Client Computing
2 N. Scottsdale Road D8453
432-8649
g@thinclient.net
_________________
d
ponsible for technical configurations and written RFP response)
Dixon
ager of Order Processing
Client Computing
2 N. Scottsdale Road D8453
570-2000
n@thinclient.net
ponsible for order entry, procurement, shipping and billing of orders received on this contract)
: the products we are submitting for consideration by Snowflake require no additional outside service offerings. No employees of Thin
t Computing are required to deploy or maintain these products. All requested features can readily be mastered by the existing staff at
flake. The only functions provided by Thin Client Computing to complete his contract will be Order Processing.

10.
in Client Device Specification #1 and #2
mote Management
ommendation: NCD ThinPATH software
REMOTE MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATIVE SOFTWARE
NCD ThinPATH software offers the ability to manage, reconfigure and discover remote terminals from a single point. It can
distribute and upgrade software and firmware from a centralized location, and, allows for centralized deployment and management
for all installed terminals.
FIRMWARE UPDATES
NCD ThinPATH software is able to flash new firmware when it is necessary to update Operating System, Client Software (Citrix
ICA Client), individual or group terminal configuration, or, any additional upgrades.
10

11.
ailed Features of NCD ThinPATH software: ThinPATH Manager
ThinPATH Manager is a comprehensive set of tools that enable the remote configuration and administration of NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminals from a
l location. NCD ThinPATH Manager is designed to offer customers a variety of methods to manage their terminals: with SNMP, through a web browser or through a file
NT server.
er to achieve total cost of ownership savings associated with thin clients and the server-based computing model, centralized remote management is essential. NCD
ATH Manager is a comprehensive set of remote management tools that enable the remote configuration and administration of one to thousands of NCD ThinSTAR
ws-based terminals from a central location.
ghts
Define configuration parameters for individual terminals or workgroups of terminals
Industry's first web-based remote administration tool
Intel's Wake-on LAN for a thin client
SNMP management agent
Intuitive graphical user interface
alized Configuration
entralized Configuration Tool provides system administrators with an intuitive, user-friendly interface on the NT server to create configurations that are loaded by
als at boot up. Terminals may be configured individually, in definable workgroups (classes) and globally.
Reduces desktop deployment time while providing a scalable management solution.
Class set-up allows groups of terminals to be configured in one easy step.
Remotely define RDP and ICA session connections.
Customizable password protection.
ased Administration
hinPATH Manager's Web-based Administration Tool, all NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminals may be administered quickly and easily from any web browser on
twork. The service is password protected to prevent unauthorized use.
Manage NCD ThinSTAR desktops remotely from any browser on the network.
Easy Help Desk Tool for monitoring and diagnosis.
e Restart Tool
emote Restart Tool allows an administrator to bring a managed ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminal into a state in which it can request configuration and flash content
es.
Perform terminal level updates and changes transparently and with no impact to end-user productivity.
Round the clock administration of flash and configuration settings.
Management component of Intel Wired For Management (WFM).
11

12.
Wake-on LAN.
es
Access to terminal configuration via a web browser
Wake-on-LAN for remote restart of terminals
Detailed inventory of terminal hardware and software
Full remote access to all terminal properties
Customizable user access to terminal properties
Set configuration parameters by individual or group of terminals
Consistent user interface for both NCD ThinPATH manager and
ocal terminal properties
SNMP-ready with support for traps, objects and MIBs
Password-protected settings
12

13.
ailed Features of NCD ThinPATH software: ThinPATH Plus
ws Audio Input and Output
ThinPATH Plus software enables Windows sounds, ranging from the familiar Windows audio cues to WAV and video files to be heard at the PC or NCD ThinSTAR
ws-based Terminal. Audio is a critical component of training or other education applications. The audio data stream dynamically adjusts to the available network load
mpressing the data. This feature allows loaded networks or slower links to maintain the original fidelity of the audio without imposing arbitrary limitations.
ry Applications
ThinPATH Plus can be used to support a variety of industry specific applications with specialized serial and parallel devices. Examples include: bar code readers, credit
eaders and check scanners for point-of-sale retail applications, dictation devices, smart card readers and light pens for point-of-care applications in the healthcare
ry, and fingerprint recognition devices for security applications in the banking and airline industries.
atically Allows Access to Local files from the Server
er feature of the product allows users to run server applications that can access the data files stored on their desktop device. All NCD ThinSTAR terminals supports an
al 1.4MB floppy disk drive. PC desktop users have complete access to any of their file systems, including both removable and fixed media. The server administrator
nforce policies on device access, for example to allow data to be read from a floppy but not a hard disk. Additional security rules can be defined based on the user or
T group. This type of policy can be used to allow specific users to access the floppy drive on the ThinSTAR but not others; computer labs could restrict students access
ow instructors. Security can be limited to a specific desktop itself if PC desktops were used to access server based applications to a controlled station and allow other
o act in a "kiosk" mode for customers to retrieve information without the possibility of customers loading their own software or viruses.
CD ThinPATH Software Family
ThinPATH Plus is a member of the NCD ThinPATH Software family. NCD ThinPATH Software provides enhanced functionality and flexibility for Microsoft Windows NT
4.0, Terminal Server Edition from PCs and NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminals. The NCD ThinPATH Software family is comprised of Management, Desktop
rt, and Emulation modules. NCD ThinPATH Software offers a robust, low-cost Terminal Server solution. NCD ThinPATH Software is predicated on NCD’s decade of
ence in meeting customer needs with industry-leading hardware and software technology. A good deal of our success is the result of of close working relationships with
anies like Citrix®,IBM®, Intel® and Microsoft®.
class technical support
and NCD Technology Certified Resellers provide a decade of experience in thin client computing. Backed by formal service level agreements with Microsoft and Citrix,
n choose from a wide range of services that cover the entire thin client environment.
ical Specifications
res
Flexible mapping of server port to desktop device
Supports both parallel and serial ports on local device (PC or NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminal)
Support for RS-232 serial peripherals
Support to attach local printers through serial or parallel ports (includes any Windows NT 4.0 supported printer)
Allows port mappings to follow end-user to different desktop or to bind a serial port to a specific desktop
Enables a local printer to become a shared network printer
An end-user session in not required on the desktop to operate
Support for bi-directional serial transfers - Supports up to 57.6K baud
Complete serial flow control support
Support for an unlimited number of server ports
13

15.
ailed Features of NCD ThinPATH software: ThinPATH Desktop Mirror
NCD offers a solution that remotely mirrors an entire thin client desktop over your TCP/IP network. NCD ThinPATH Desktop Mirror shares RDP or ICA sessions,
al emulation sessions and set-up screens between NT Servers, PCs and/or NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminals.
ghts
Compatible with multiple session protocols including ICA, RDP, and X Windows
Shares the complete desktop including terminal properties screens on the NCD ThinSTAR terminal
Supports TCP/IP and WAN networks
Multi-level security process protects desktops from unauthorized access
Accommodates differences between console and desktop display and keyboard configurations
Remotely manages and shadows unattended desktops with a central access password
Simple to install, use, and configure using NCD and Microsoft NT thin client architectures
desktop activity from PCs and Windows-based Terminals to your desktop
ying personnel to support and configure individual desktop devices throughout your enterprise is costly and inefficient. A solution is needed that enables remote,
lized desktop support for Terminal Server Edition installations. NCD ThinPATH Desktop Mirror provides this support by enabling individual desktops to be viewed and
ulated through mouse and keyboard input by one or several remote users.
CD solution is unique to the market in that the complete desktop can be shared regardless of the type of information being presented. For example, the remote viewer
e ICA and RDP sessions, as well as, the low-level hardware set-up screens on the NCD ThinSTAR Windows-based Terminal. This makes NCD ThinPATH Desktop
the perfect support solution for help-desk, classroom and kiosk environments.
shadowing solutions are limited to the display of only remote Windows sessions, not the entire desktop environment.
network connectivity with minimum network traffic
ThinPATH Desktop Mirror supports Windows NT Server 4.0, NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 95 and Windows 98 PC desktops along with NCD’s family of ThinSTAR
ws-based Terminals.
providing robust, remote support for networked desktops for applications such as technical support, training, and remote administration, ThinPATH Desktop Mirror also
zes incremental network traffic by controlling the transfer of data packets. This ensures that the traffic generated by the mirroring process has minimal impact on the
ctivity of other networked end users. Controlling the number of screen updates sent from the desktop to the viewer program reduces data traffic, and NCD ThinPATH
op Mirror also compresses the data it sends over the network.
se network productivity
ThinPATH Desktop Mirror gives customers a cost-effective way to:
Provide help desk support remotely and without hands-on visits
Use a centralized training environment that shares a common desktop with all participants
Maintain and configure kiosks from remote locations
Support remote customers of Application Service Providers (ASP)
Create and review documents with team members from their own desks
Give presentations without using a meeting room
15

18.
OFFER
To Snowflake Unified School District No. 5
pliance with the Notice of Invitation to Proposal and Instructions to Vendors, the undersigned hereby proposes and agrees to furnish the material and/or service as required in accordance
e specifications, terms and conditions and amendments, contained in the proposal at the price set forth herein.
N CLIENT COMPUTING For clarification of this offer:
pany Name
N. Scottsdale Rd D8453 Stephen Greenberg
ess Company Representative
sdale, AZ 85262 602 432 8649 / 602 296 0411
State, Zip Phone / Fax
946-Y
na Sales Tax License No.
__________________________________
orized Signature for Company
a corporation? Yes_____ No __X__ _______________________________________
Printed Name
na Bidders Only:
Tax percentage to be applied 7.7% _______________________________________
Title
_________________________________________________________________________________
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER AND CONTRACT AWARD (FOR DISTRICT USE ONLY)
offer is hereby accepted.
re now bound to sell the product and/or services listed on the attached Notice of Award and/or Proposal Price Sheet(s) on the terms and conditions,
or the prices set forth in the attached contract documents consisting of the Invitation to Proposal, Terms and Conditions, Special Terms and Conditions,
nstructions to Vendors.
contract at the Snowflake Unified School District No. 5 is for the THIN CLIENT WINDOWS-BASED TERMINALS AND/OR MONITORS. This
act shall henceforth be referenced by the Snowflake Unified School District No. 5 as Contract #01-917. You are cautioned not to commence any
e work or provide any service under contract until you receive an executed purchase order.
flake Unified School District No. 5
ded this ______________day of_____________________
________________________________________
d Sims, Snowflake Unified School District No. 5
18